The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-02
SPURGEON AND THE BAPTISTS.

why the Famous Preacher Withdrew from
the Union-Criticism of His Action.
Cable Special to New York Herald
Mr.. Spurgeon's withdrawal from the Baptist
Union causes as much sensation in nou-conform-
ist circles as Lord Salisbury's withdrawal from
the Cabinet would in political circles. One Of
the organs of the Established Church says:
1T is fine example always when a good man
opposes himself against the spirit OF the age.
and does battle temperately, without angry
words. Whether his cause be right or wrong is
of small Importance when the instincts OF the
hero are good. The essential point is that he
delivers his protest and holds the field with dig
nifty. Mr.. Spnrgeon's declaration of faith is .
model. He does not blame the nnion for harbor-
ing errors. because, SO far as he can see. IL ia
powerless to help itself. The preachers COM
mon sense is shown most conspicuously in his
refusal to start new denomination. He de-
clines to be made a prophet to the rest"
DR.. John Clifford. vicepresident of the Baptist
Union, well known In America. was interviewed
to-day the subject. He said:
sit is clear that, like Luther Mr.. Spurgeon
feels that he can do naught else than withdraw.
Conscience bids him. and be obeys. All our ira
dtional Baptist principles constrain US to honor
Mr. Spurgeon for his unewervlng hdeilty 70 hlE
conviction Of duty, and TO believe that. though
the act be for the moment unspeakably hurtful.
yet if the truth gain ali will gain, the Baptist
Union included
.Mr Spurgeon accompanies his retirement
with the following six allegations: That some
pers allowed to remain in tho union who
make light of the atouement. deny the person
ality of the Holy Ghost call the fall a fable,
speak of justification by faith immoral, re-
fuse credence TO the dogma OF the plenary in
spiration of the Holy Scriptures and hold that
there is another probation after death with
possibilities of future restitution of the lost.
Mr., Spurgeon SAYS that all unions begin to look
like confederacies of evil. This is grave
charge indeed. Take the British Baptist Union
only; it consists of two thousand churches, with
pastors and q commuuing mem bership OF over
two hundred thousand. Are these churches
and pastors federated together in the union in
evil? Mr.. Spurgeon states his case with great
energy; but what does he prove? No books
cited; sermons are quoted: no papers read at
the union put in evidence; no addresses
given at its meetings advanced; not a soli-
tary man. not solitary church is named AT
good temper the reverend gentleman concluded
thus: 'But supposing Mr.. Spurgeon really had
a case and his indictment could be proved is
his withdrawal the best service thas be
rendered-not 20 the Baptist Union only-but
to the kin cdom of heaven, for which the Bap-
tist Union exlstsf Christian scholars have their
contests. The Old Testament is being put into a
fire heated to sevenfold ferceness. and the
newer record is still unconsumed in a burning
bush of criticism. Church builders see the old
politics and orders changing, and scarcely know
what way take with the social difficulties
that rise a hundred points This
surely. of all times is not the hour Cor division
Every soldier is wanted not an ounce Of power
can be spared"